Another SUCC 1st Class Player - Walter D Loveridge

WALTER DAVID LOVERIDGE

13 September 1867 – 6 January 1940

Wally attended Newington for five years from January 1880 to December 1884. Born on 13 September 1867, he was a member of the Newington first XI for three seasons and continued to play regularly with the Old Boys for 20 years or so after leaving the College. After Newington, he played with the Double Bay juniors and from around 1888, he was a first grader with Sydney University for several seasons.

On 19 January 1889 at the University Oval, batting at number three he scored 150 not out for University in their win against the Osborne club. At the Sydney Cricket Ground on 22 December 1894, he captained an 18 man junior NSW team against the touring Englishmen. This match was drawn but the NSW Colts, including a 17 year old Victor Trumper and Monty Noble did very well. NSW Juniors 9 declared for 443 (Noble 152 not out, Trumper 67) drew with England 6 for 151.

Wally joined the Central Cumberland club in 1893/94, which was the first season of Sydney Electoral cricket, or grade cricket as we know it today and captained this club to their first ever, Sydney first grade Premiership in 1899/1900.

At Brisbane on 8 November 1902, he was the NSW captain and wicketkeeper in the win against Queensland. This was a first class match.

A good batsman and bowler, he took up wicketkeeping by accident while with Sydney University after an injury to the club’s regular keeper. He retired from serious cricket at the end of the 1909/10 season after 16 years in the first grade ranks but continued to play some matches with the Newington Old Boys.  

In his 16 seasons, he scored 831 runs at 10.5 with one fifty and as a wicketkeeper, he dismissed 117 batsmen, 54 caught and 63 stumped. In his first few years, he also bowled and took 10 first grade wickets at 8.3. Nine of these wickets came in his first season, at an average of just 4.2, including a best of 7 for 23, against Glebe at the SCG on 31 March 1894.

Wally joined the NSW Lands department as a cadet draftsman in January 1885. He quickly advanced through the NSW Public Service, becoming an Inspector for the State Treasury, a member of the Public Service Board and Chairman of the Sydney Harbour Trust from 1924 to 1929. He was awarded a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) in 1930 and died in Brisbane on 6 January 1940, aged 72.

Written by Barry Ross 

 CENTRAL CUMBERLAND CRICKET TEAM 1893.

From left:

Standing - J. Gurney (scorer), H. Thorpe, F. Iredale, W. D. Loveridge, J. Wilson, W. Forbes, J. Street

Middle - C. Church, S. Walford, W. Brodie, 

 Kneeling - W. Pye, T. Little, E. Miller, E. Kirby

__________________________________________

 From - The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Friday 12 July 1928 page 11

Round 5 Match Reports vs Sutherland

1st Grade vs Sutherland at Glenn McGrath Oval (50 Overs)

Sydney University 5/294 (50.0)
TP Cummins 76 (58)
CD Maladay 4-41 (10.0)

DEF

Sutherland 208 (49.4)
C Williams 101* (137)
D Rixon 2-62 (10.0)

Round 5 of our campaign saw the boys travel down south to the Shire to take on Sutherland. 

TC continued his toss winning streak, which saw us batting first. We got off to a rocky start with the early wicket of Dummer, but in came Morts who was looking like the vintage Morts we all know, helping steady the ship along with Gauci. The scoring rate picked up after the first 10 and the runs were flowing easily with Morts making a classy 68 along with supports from Robbo (39), Duff (39) and Litchy (25). It was TC however who came in for an ever-reliable captains knock of 76 off 58 making the Sutherland boys constantly chase leather to the boundary helping us set our biggest total of the season of 294.

After setting a very competitive total of 294 from our 50, the bowlers took some confidence from the batsmen efforts and got off to a flyer taking a few early wickets thanks to Maladay. The wickets continued to fall with supports from Malone (2-29), McElduff (2-30) and Holloway (2-54) halting Sutherland’s chance of getting anywhere near the total. It was Maladay who took the honours with a brilliant 4-41 off his 10 to claim his best first grade figures for the club. 

Overall, a very strong performance all round for the boys who will look to continue this momentum into the final few weeks until Christmas looking to cement a spot near the top 6.

Devlin Malone

2nd Grade vs Sutherland at University Oval (50 Overs)

Sydney University 196 (43.0)
RA Danne 74* (91)
H Clark 5-50 (10.0)

DEF BY

Sutherland 7/261 (50.0)
L Ball 72* (81)
C Barton 5-33 (6.0)

Second Grade welcomed the Sutherland Shark Attacks to an immaculate University Oval. Despite the incessant rain of the last fortnight the wicket was a joy to behold. In overcast conditions, Nashball was won by ‘H-Z Surname Alphabetical Orders’ as they defeated the ‘A-H Surname Alphabetical Orders’. A tightly fought contest that saw the underdogs triumph in a match where there were few clear cut chances. Captain Clark lost the toss and was invited to bowl.

A mixed first hour saw Uni restrict the Sutherland top order in patches but also became wayward in others. Captain Clark (3-50 off 10) took an early breakthrough but then the second wicket partnership wriggled free of the Uni shackles and began to build some momentum. Sanjay Anandarajah (1-35 off 10) was introduced to great effect as he varied his pace coupled with subtle changes in trajectory, allowing Uni to slowly wrestle back some control through the middle overs. Sanjay was rewarded with the scalp of the Sutherland captain as he attempted a late cut to a flatter ball allowing Oli Zanino took a sharp catch behind the stumps. Scoring became tougher as Sanjay bowled in unison with Max Hope (0/44 off 10).

Although it was Captain Clark that did the damage on the scoreboard. Firstly removing the dangerous Barton leg before wicket. Followed by a piece of fielding that surely left scorer Russell in a spin when he was told it was executed by the generous frame of Clark. The batsman worked the ball into the legside and to the right of Clark who was stationed at midwicket, he proceeded to pounce cat-like, scoop up the ball and release one handed in a poetic piece of motion that saw the one stump he had to aim at demolished. Sutherland were now in a panic as they found themselves reeling at 4/115.

They began to rebuild and numbers five and six timed their run perfectly capitalising on some sloppy fielding and punishing any inaccurate death bowling. Their partnership swung the momentum back in the Sharks favour as they both made fifties. The Students would be chasing 262 for victory, many more than we would have hoped for at the halfway point.

The Uni openers started solidly with Hayden Storey (29) springing to life after being struck by an unfortunately directed beamer. Next ball was bludgeoned away through the midwicket region and Hayden appeared to be off and away. Top order wickets then began to fall at inopportune times and it was left to Ryan Danne (74) to pick up the pieces. He started cautiously but then began to gradually accelerate as partners settled around him. Unfortunately for Uni no one was able to go the distance with Ryan. It was a pleasure to watch his measured innings, in particular some of the lofted drives that he played against the medium pace.

The tail was left with the difficult task of chasing 8/over for the last ten overs. They tried valiantly to support Ryan but when he was run out by a sharp piece of fielding at the non-striker's end our chances were all but over. Sutherland were a class above in the field and this was a telling facet of the game when you calculate the swing in extra runs given away by Uni and runs saved by Sutherland.

Onwards and upwards as the 2s travel out to Bensons Lane this Saturday. At the time of writing Sydney is being hit by another storm so fingers crossed the Lane is not underwater come the weekend.

Jack Hill

A Singular Honour (Part 11)

By James Rodgers

(image courtesy of AWM)

MILFORD JAMES CUSICK

Milford (‘Mick’) Cusick was one of the very few cricketers educated at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill

who played 1 st Grade for SUCC in the early 20 th century.

He is SUCC 1 st Grade cap no.163.

He initially studied Medicine after boarding at St Joseph’s with his older brother, Alton, from 1913 until

1916 on a half bursary. At the time, his parents lived at the Moorefield Hotel Kogarah.

On the cricket fields of St Joseph’s, he had captained the 1916 1 st XI side. He “batted well, bowled in a

very tricky fashion and fielded in excellent style.” He was said to have been a “bosie bowler”, a rare left

hand wrist spinner who enjoyed prolific success in the various junior teams, probably because his style

of bowling was so little known at that time. His 6-35 and 7-24 in an internal ‘colour’ match in 1913 and

his 6-8 in another game ensured selection in the 2 nd XI and then in the 1 st XI. He could also bat as his

unbeaten 113 in 1913 confirmed. He played in the same 1 st XI side as Bill Gissane who eventually went to

Riverview and who was also to play just once for SUCC.

Going to University in 1916 after passing the Senior Examinations and after winning the University

Medal for Inorganic Chemistry, he found himself in the 1916-17 University sides that had been severely

depleted because of enlistments for the Great War from 1914. That season, the 1 st Grade side was still

able to call on players of quality such as Mick Bardsley, Jim Bogle, Les Best and LC Donovan. But three of

the sixteen who played 1 st Grade that season played their solitary game at that level: Bill Bee, FV

McAdam (who had also attended St Joseph’s before the war) and Milford Cusick (whose surname was

consistently and incorrectly spelled as ‘Cusack’).

Tragedy followed these undergraduates. ENC Leggo,

who bowled left arm medium pace in 1916-17, was killed in France on 18 October 1917.

Cusick scored 11 and 1 in his only game and never appeared in 1 st Grade again.

He set up dental surgery in Bellevue Hill and, in 1923, married Sylvia Somes. They lived for a time in

Wagga when Milford was in partnership in a dental practice with University’s Test player of the time,

Johnnie Taylor. Milford captained the Wagga side and during the 1932-33 ‘Bodyline’ tour he captained

‘Southern NSW’ at Wagga in their two-day game against Jardine’s English side. The MCC side consisted

largely of those who played little part in the acrimonious Test series. Cusick was bowled by Tommy

Mitchell for 12 in the 1 st innings and then stumped to give Pataudi a rare wicket in the 2 nd innings.

He returned to Sydney during the 1930s and turned out in the Dentists vs Undergraduates games at the

SCG.

The son of Milford and Sylvia, also named Milford James Cusick, also attended St Joseph’s College. He

was one of 841 from St Joseph’s to enlist in World War II and one of 74 to be killed. On the evening of

24/25 March 1943, piloting a Lancaster bomber, Flight Lieutenant MJ Cusick was killed in action. His

body was interred at the parish cemetery Wusten I West Germany.

OBITUARY - Dr. Neil Thompson (Orthopaedic Surgeon)

Dr. Neil Thompson

Cricket, and particularly Sydney University Cricket Club, played a significant part in the life of Dr Neil Thompson who died on 30th October 2021, aged 81.

Neil grew up in Bondi, went to school at Bondi Public School and Sydney Boys’ High School. He was capable and competitive at many sports.  He was in the Sydney High 1st XI, and also in the rugby, tennis and athletic teams.

While at University, where he started in Pharmacy but quickly moved to Medicine, he initially played with Waverley Club and reached first grade.  He then moved to SUCC where, in the 1959-60 season he played second grade. The annual report (which contained some pretty blunt comments) noted: “It would seem obvious that each batsman must concentrate heavily on developing a defensive technique before he can hope to be a successful candidate for First Grade cricket. This problem applies to …….., Neil Thompson and others”!!  The batting highlights included “Neil Thompsons’s 62 against Cumberland.”  His batting figures were 13 innings, aggregate 116, average 13.6.  He was mentioned in the bowling figures for taking one wicket for 21 runs.  In the Poidevin-Gray Shield competition he scored 37 and took 1-13 against his old club Waverley, took 2-25 against Randwick, 2-49 against Western Suburbs, and scored 66 against St George.  In the intervarsity match against Melbourne, he scored 25 in the second innings but Sydney was thrashed by an innings!

The following season (1960-61) he played mainly in third grade where his highest score from 3 innings was 50, he took 2 wickets at 28.5, 3 catches, and he was “particularly outstanding” in the field.  He (and several others) “played one or two good innings marked by real evidence of concentration” (some progress from the previous report!). 

In the 1961-62 season he scored 108 against Combined High Schools and 116 against the RAAF.  In second grade he scored 198 runs in total and took 16 wickets. He also had four innings in third grade for a total of 102 runs and took four wickets. The Annual Report records that “Some of Neil’s sixes were quite fantastic.”

In the 1962-63 season he played two matches in first grade scoring 24 runs but played more in second grade where he was part of the premiership team. He took 30 wickets with best efforts of 3-17 and 5-49 in one game and 5-49 in another. He was described as an “under-rated” bowler who “used the new ball very intelligently and what he lacked in speed he made up in guile”.  This might refer to his left arm “banana ball” which came into a right-handed batsman from a long way out!

The 2nd XI in 1963-64 were again premiers.  The report states: “Neil had a most successful season taking 31 wickets and scoring 192 runs. He was most consistent and his 7-38 against Manly was as a result of a magnificent spell of bowling.” That year, in the intervarsity against Queensland Uni he took 7-50 and 2-20.

The following season the seconds won the premiership again. Neil was thus a significant contributor to three successive premierships, particularly as he scored a century in the final. He also took 18 wickets.

During his university days he also played cricket for the St Michael’s Vaucluse church team in their competition.

After graduation from university, he worked at Parramatta Hospital as a resident medical officer and played cricket with the University Veterans. In 1965-66 he had 5 innings with a top score of 59 and collected 22 wickets.  The next season he batted 11 times with a top score of 61 and collected 30 wickets.  He was selected in the combined City and Suburban team.

He travelled to the UK to further his medical education and worked in Liverpool and Cambridge. He also met and married Elaine, gained his FRCSE and FRCS diplomas and they had their first child.  Life was busy!  They later had two daughters. While living at Cambridge he played with the Cambridge Travellers team as well as hospital teams.

The family returned to Australia in 1972. He trained further in Orthopaedics and obtained his FRACS.  He resumed cricket with the Veterans.  In the 1972-73 season he batted nine times for a highest score of 61 and collected 29 wickets.  In the 1973-74 season he had 7 innings with highest score of 53 and collected 22 wickets. The report for the 1975-76 year states that he “made a welcome return. He batted and bowled as if he had never been away from the game”. The report however quotes only one innings of 27!

In 1976 he made another good decision and moved to Lismore to live.  He was the only Orthopaedic Surgeon resident in the town, was on call all the time, and was very busy. He continued to provide a quality practice but was later to welcome other Orthopaedic surgeons to town.  He retired after 25 years of dedicated service to the local community. During this time, he continued to play occasional games of cricket, notably in the annual Doctors v. Lawyers game.  His bowling was restricted by a lower back problem. This hampered his golf too. He played tennis regularly.

In 1978 while in Hobart attending a meeting of the Australian Orthopaedic Association he was involved in climbing a telegraph pole to rescue a young man behaving erratically.  He received the Australian Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Silver Medal of the Royal Humane Society.  This was an example of his care for fellow humans.

In retirement he was not idle.  He played tennis and occasional golf and managed to find time to write a book entitled “Sawbones, Saddle Burns, and Soothing Balms” on the history of medical practice in the Richmond Valley from 1866-1986.

Throughout his life and particularly while at University playing cricket Neil made good friends who remained friends for life.  He was great company, with comments that were insightful and showed his quirky sense of humour.  He was part of a large and loving family.  He was described by his eulogist as “a gentleman and a great bloke”

Scott Harbison, who played for SUCC with Neil.

OBITUARY - Lindsay Graeme Foster (1951 - 2021)

Lindsay Foster died 21 November 2021 aged 70.

He played two seasons, 1974-75 and 1976-77, with SUCC having previously played five seasons with Northern District.

Those two seasons were mightily successful and memorable for the University 3rd Grade side that was Runners Up and then Minor Premiers under the astute and inclusive captaincy of the much-respected Rob Thomas. Lindsay was an integral part in the success and harmony of those sides.

He had been educated at Knox College where he ‘took under his wing’ younger students who may have been otherwise overawed. One of those was Chris Elder who especially remembers Lindsay’s kindness and thoughtfulness towards him. Those characteristics, and a chuckling laugh that put everyone at ease, were to remain with him throughout a distinguished life.

Lindsay studied Arts/Law, was later called to the NSW Bar and was eventually appointed to the Bench.

Some of those who shared those seasons in the mid 1970s have written with much appreciation for Lindsay’s life and influence.

Rob Thomas his captain.

“He was an enthusiastic and jovial team-mate and club member; a stylish batsman with a flourishing cover drive; not only a contributor on the field but great company after stumps. I also recall him as a very dedicated law student. He carved out a successful career as a barrister and as a respected judge.”

Dr Lawrie Bott

“That year of cricket (1974-75) was the most enjoyable of my career…a wonderful bunch of people and future life-long friends.

Lindsay was one of the enthusiastic, happy players who allowed us to achieve great heights that season…a brave batsman with an excellent cover drive.”

Steve Ward

“As I try to picture him, every time the image that emerges is both youthful and cheerful. I cannot recall him without a smile on his face. He was typical of that team that provided me with a stable and highly enjoyable home.”

Chris McRae

“I used to catch up with Lindsay when Trinity played Knox in the Rugby, discussing legal matters…like the lousy refereeing!”

Jock Baird

I knew Lindsay in a number of other respects apart from our playing days: as a barrister when he was at the Bar. I, as solicitor, would brief him (and sometimes be opposed to him), as proud fathers when our respective sons were in the Knox Grammar rugby U13 – U15A’s where we spent many a convivial winter’s Saturday morning doing what fathers do, standing on muddy sidelines on such occasions (mostly drinking coffee to stay warm and discussing the plight of the world, or at least the Wallabies), and finally when Lindsay had been elevated to the Bench and I would appear before him (he was very kind to me and forgiving of my inadequacies on more than one occasion).

He was always good company, especially over a glass of red wine or two, with a lively wit and an engaging smile that often foretold some piercing observation or remark (but never delivered with any malice). He was generous with his time to those who sought his advice and never condescending to those less fortunate or who did not possess his powerful intellect: a true gentleman and scholar. Even when he became extremely ill  he never lost his sense of humour or his curiosity at the world, but bore his pain stoically and with incredible strength and optimism.

Lindsay of course had a very distinguished legal career. I knew him as a friend: a good cricketer, raconteur and bon vivant. We shall all miss him.”

The Club offers its sincere sympathy to Lindsay’s wife, Anne, and to their four children.

James Rodgers

Sir Rodney Stuart Riddell

                                         SIR RODNEY STUART RIDDELL. 1838-1907.

                                         THE BARON OF ARDNAMURCHON.

                                         WHO FACED THE FIRST BALL OF ALL?

 By James Rodgers

On Saturdays 1st and 8th April 1854, Sydney University played its first recorded cricket game.

‘Sydney University’, fielding a team of undergraduates whose ages ranged from 15 to 21, played ‘The Garrison’, a team of soldiers lodged at Victoria Barracks.

The game took place on a field behind the Barracks in Paddington, known variously as ‘The Military Cricket Ground’ or ‘The Garrison Ground’. Later, it would be known as ‘The Military and Civil Ground’. Later still,  the ‘Association Ground’. Now it is on the site of what we know as ‘The Sydney Cricket Ground.’

Conditions for the game were primitive. The pitch was uneven, the bats rough-hewn, protective equipment unheard of, the bowling underarm or round arm. There were no boundaries. Each ‘notch’ had to be run.

University’s John Kinloch, “sending down a fairly fast ball with spin from the leg”, hit the stumps of the first four soldier batsmen and The Garrison was dismissed for 49. Beginning the reply, University’s openers were two 16 year olds, Rodney Riddell and Marshall Burdekin.

It appears that Riddell faced the first ball.

Who was the holder of this singular distinction in the Club’s long history?

Rodney Stuart Riddell was the son of the Colonial Treasurer, Campbell Drummond Riddell (1796-1858) and Caroline Stuart nee Rodney (1810-1898) who were married in 1830. Educated at ‘Mr William Cape’s School at Darlinghurst’ (where Riddell’s opening partner, Burdekin, had also been to school), he was one of the first students admitted to the University of Sydney in October 1852, having passed the matriculation exams. Candidates were examined in Greek (‘The Iliad’ book 5 and ‘The Anabasis’ book 1), Latin (‘The Aeneid’ book 1 and Sallust’s ‘Bellum Catalinae’) Arithmetic and Algebra (Euclid book 1). Mr William Timothy Cape (1806-1863) had come to Australia in 1821 and was the first Headmaster of Sydney College, forerunner of Sydney Grammar School, from 1835 to 1841 Cape then established his own school, Elfred House Private School in Glenmore Rd Paddington which was where Riddell and Burdekin had been educated.

Riddell, however, did not complete his Arts degree. His great grandfather, Sir James Riddell, was the first baron of Ardnamurchon, Argleshire in Scotland and the hereditary title was eventually to pass to his great grandson. In the meantime, Rodney Riddell became a professional soldier, serving in the New Zealand wars in the 1860s, then as a Captain of the 7th Foot in the Afghan War 1878-1880. He succeeded to the Baronetcy in 1883, was knighted, and served as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Sir Rodney Riddell in the Sudan campaign of 1885.

When he died in 1907 without marrying and without issue, the Baronetcy lapsed.

What of his batting partner, Marshall Burdekin?

He was one of the first from Sydney University to be conferred with a Master of Arts in 1859. He became a barrister and a member of the Legislative Council of NSW before his death in 1883.

And what about the game?

The Garrison made 49. University totalled only 33 but Riddell’s 14 was a substantial score before he was caught by Private Hartnett. Kinloch took at least four wickets in the Garrison’s 2nd innings of 35 and University scraped home by two wickets.

Which university cricketer bowled the first ball in the Garrison’s innings 167 years ago?

In all probability, 21 year old John Kinloch, born in Dublin of Scottish heritage.

Who faced the first ball in University’s innings?

In all probability, 16 year old Rodney Riddell, later the fourth baron of Ardnamurchon in Scotland.

Round 2 Match Reports vs Fairfield-Liverpool, Blacktown-Mounties and Mosman CC

1st Grade vs Fairfield-Liverpool at Rosedale Oval (50 Overs)

Sydney University 3/205 (37.2)
C Dummer 89 (65)
D Malone 3-38 (8.5)

DEF

Fairfield-Liverpool 204 (49.5)
R Srivastava 54 (59)
MN Shinwari 2-50 (10.0)

Round 2 of our campaign to reclaim the beloved Belvedere cup.

With some cobweb’s blown out in round one, we were keen to get on the board with a win against a strong looking Fairfield outfit.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, Dugald and Caelan settled into their rhythm nicely. As a team, we placed a big focus on fielding this season - thanks to Larko. In saying that, we fielded the house down taking our opportunities on what was the best fielded surface in Sydney. Keeping the Lions to a modest 204.

The Students got off to a great start thanks to Dummer, dispatching the ball to every part of the ground. It was an innings you couldn’t describe to someone and simply looked like he was playing on a different wicket. A couple of quick wickets gave the Lions what they thought was hope but more so an opportunity for a couple more lads to get a hit!

Larko played a clinical role making 70* and Robbo 30* saw us win by 7 wickets with 13 overs to spare. What was a great day for Caelan taking his 1st wicket for the club, however he probably had the worst Nash performance seen in many years.

Damien Mortimer

---

Match Report - 2nd Grade vs Fairfield-Liverpool at University Oval (50 Overs)

Sydney University 2/146 (27.4)
R Wikramanayake 57 (79)
R Greaves 4-26 (8.1)

DEF

Fairfield-Liverpool 145 (38.1)
WA Delpechitra 90 (113)
N Singh 1-24 (6.0)

The Uni Boys returned back to the home of cricket eager to continue their momentum after a strong Round 1 victory. During our first covers rendition of the season, we were welcomed by everyone’s favourite natural element – who told us he would be hanging around for the entirety of the day. This proved difficult for Mr. Danne as he found himself underneath an undulating, heavy and wet cover, however thankfully emerged after 1 minute of scrambling. He was greeted by Captain Clark with a wry smile next to the pitch, who had been watching the whole debacle from 50m away. Thanks for offering to help Henry. 

Clark then carried this hubris onto the Nash field. On the back of a horrific exit from the Z’s, he took an intercept and had Litchfield - who somehow found himself in goals - 1-on-1. It was all in slow motion. Ball in right hand, taking aim at the goals. Litchy runs at Clark. Clark raises the ball in his right hand, fakes a shot, SHUFFLES to the right (yes, it wasn’t a side step) and Litchy misses him. He then ran through the cones and the game was decided then and there. Brutal to watch. 

We lost the toss on what looked to be a really fair cricket wicket, and were in the field for the first 50 overs. An initial run out was the perfect way to start our bowling innings and the Books continued to roll on with Greaves bowling an excellent opening spell and taking 3 early wickets. At 5/31, we needed to capitalise on a good start. Their opener Delpechitra was the only Lion to resist the Uni attack, who showed his experience in a classy knock of 90. However, wickets continued to fall around him: the final numbers – Greaves 4/26 (his best figures in 2nd Grade), Hope 3/35 and Flannigan 2/25 saw FLCC 2s bowled out for a sub-par 145. 

We were aware that these small chases can sometimes be difficult if played the wrong way. Litchfield and Wikramanayake were determined to not let an early wicket dissuade them from batting their own way and continued to tick off the runs in a 55-run stand. However, it was the 3rd-wicket partnership of Wikramanayake (57*) and Danne (41*) that got the Uni Boys home with 22.2 overs to spare, resulting in a 7-point win for 2nd Grade. They both batted with poise and class; a mixture of stroke play as well as deft touches to get up the other end – great to watch. 

We rejoiced in a team song with those SUCC players that came to support us throughout the day. You’d hope Flannigan and Wikramanayake are starting to get the hang of it. 

We take a drive down Parramatta Rd this week to come against RPCC at Petersham Oval. Let’s keep this going. 

Oliver Zannino

---

Match Report - 3rd Grade vs Fairfield-Liverpool at Fairfield Oval (50 Overs)

Sydney University

DREW (WASHED OUT)

Fairfield-Liverpool

---

Match Report - 4th Grade vs Fairfield-Liverpool at St Paul’s Oval (50 Overs)

Sydney University 2/146 (27.4)
C Barrett 37*
S Canagasingham 4-25 (9.3)

DEF

Fairfield-Liverpool 109 (44.2)
A Clark 35 (46)
J Nanavati 2-22 (7.0)

‘We’re back baby!’ A phrase that summarises the general sentiment of the 4s boys in anticipation of the first round of the 2021-22 season and after a rather long and tumultuous preseason who can blame them?

Following setup at fortress St Paul’s, this anticipation seemed to play into the first Nash game of the new season as what resulted was a somewhat forgettable performance from both sides quality-wise but one full of energy ending a goal each. Energy was also apparent upon warming up and was quickly combined with focus on the task at hand with captain Ash Cowan electing to bowl first on a somewhat soft wicket.

The new ball saw the welcome return of a familiar name in Lewis McMahon, who created pressure bowling a threatening and consistent line and length, alongside the prolific Shehan Canagasingham, who reaped the rewards of this pressure using the conditions to his favour picking up three early poles, two being caught at short cover by the reliable hands of James Veitch. Canagasingham’s first spell also coincided with that of debutant Hugo Fraval who impressed despite going wicketless, creating a number of near misses including a catch which was unfortunately ruled out for a no ball.

The middle overs saw a display of consistency and patience yielding 2 poles a piece for Ned Barnet and Lewis Ansell putting the Uni boys in an excellent position to restrict Fairfield-Liverpool to a low score. Despite a solid lower order partnership from the visitors, the boys did just so, aided by a memorably eventful 2 over period. This included a catch on the boundary from a dipping Canagasingham full toss, two subsequent double bouncers (generous) leading to an injury fill-in by Prakhar Sharma, some interesting fielding from the skipper at mid-off, and a well-executed run out by McMahon. Following this chaos, it was also McMahon who ended the innings claiming a wicket in his eighth over seeing Fairfield-Liverpool all out for 109.

The boys went about the chase in confident and clinical fashion with openers Brayden Dilley, who provided initial impetus to the innings including a surprising early horn over square leg, and Clancy Barrett, posting his highest 4th Grade score, both striking the ball cleanly. To get the boys over the line in just 24 overs, earning a bonus point, Barnet also showed his quality with the bat finishing the job not out for the Students.

All in all, it was an excellent return to action for the 4s boys and all involved can take confidence in their performance with bat, ball or in the field heading into round 2.

Lewis Ansell

---

Match Report - 5th Grade vs Fairfield-Liverpool at Don Dawson Oval (50 Overs)

Sydney University

DREW (WASHED OUT)

Fairfield-Liverpool

---

Match Report - Metro Gold vs Blacktown Mounties at Camperdown Park (50 Overs)

Sydney University 6-285 (50.0)
A Saeed 102* (101)
S Wadhera 3-33 (10.0)

DEF

Blacktown Mounties 9/221 (50.0)
A Krishna 63 (101)
B Phillips 2-15 (3.0)

Metro Gold was presented a dark, soft, sticky wicket for our Round One fixture against the Blacktown Mounties. Amidst a haphazardly organised game of nash where the definition of ‘bowler’ was stretched for the first of many times that day, Cain lost the toss and was sent in with the Camperdown wicket and outfield still a little damp.

Keen to maximise his fantasy value, Cain opened the batting with Green Shield gun James Chan, who had shown serious form with a chanceless 50 in trials and a subsequent fantasy price tag of $13m. With the deck squelching underfoot, and holding up rather than shooting low, the coach and protege found it tough going, but crucially saw off what little lateral movement was forthcoming from Blacktown’s seam attack. After the skipper finally scooped one that held up to depart for a hard-fought 8, it was budding Mr Olympia contestant Joel Ritchie next to the crease, combining for a fluent 46 with Chan and giving some glimmers of promise for a possible big score despite the wicket. This was not to be, with both of them departing in quick succession to leave us at 3-91 in the 22nd over, and work to do for Azhar Saeed and Mitch Cotton. Both men took the responsibility in their stride, and went to work, noting that whilst the wicket would hold up and turn, it could be trusted. For two batters accustomed to synthetic wickets and tape balls where one can simply stand and deliver, it was a welcome realisation. Cotton in particular began to target the short square boundaries, amassing seven 4s on his way to 38 from 30 before departing. Daanyal Saeed on debut for the Students was largely focused on getting the superior Saeed on strike, before he was told in no uncertain terms to hit out or get out and duly committed to the latter. Azhar, left with 9 overs in which to get his hundred, walloped Blacktown’s helpless bowling (indeed, they did not help themselves with 44 extras and more above-waist action than the high-rise jeans section at Broadway H&M) to all parts, finishing with a masterful 102 not out, featuring 11 fours and 2 sixes. Ably supported by Tushar Sharma, Metro Gold ended up posting 6-285 on a wicket we expected would be a struggle to pass 200 on. 

The skipper was all smiles during the lunchtime Good Weekend quiz attempt*, and you would think having Blacktown 4-8 within 10 overs he’d still be smiling by the close of play, but this was not to be. Despite Shivam's outstanding opening spell the Mounties regrouped, and with the aid of the Campo fig, began to increase the scoring. A brief rearguard for the fifth wicket was broken by a superb one-handed pick up and throw from Daanyal Saeed to put the finishing touches on a textbook barbeque job from the Blacktown batter. Despite the substantial head noise and survivor’s guilt that ensued for said batter, he continued to make a hard fought 63 and make the Books life more difficult. Top edges for six, edges through vacant slips, and that godforsaken fig tree all getting in the way of an early circuit. The bowling could not be faulted, and the attack of Wadhera, Sharma, Cain and Crawford all toiled with little luck after the initial rush of wickets - 6-45 at drinks became 9-221 from the full allocation and despite an impressive batting performance, we found ourselves disappointed with not being able to ice a game.

Fantastic to get the six points, but certainly room to improve for Cain’s Metro Gold side. 

*15, down from last week’s 21. Tom Crawford’s shoulders are reportedly still sore from continuing to carry us.

Henry Cain

---

Match Report - Metro Blue vs Mosman at St Paul’s (50 Overs)

Sydney University 317 (50.0)
S Arvind 71
M Powell 3-13 (5.0)

DEF

Mosman 121 (39.5)
C Calvert 32
N Slack 3-34 (8.4)

---

Match Report - 1st Grade vs Blacktown Mounties (20 Overs)

Sydney University 5/152 (20.0)
LS Robertson 48 (33)
D Holloway 5-24 (4.0)

DEF

Blacktown Mounties 99 (15.3)
J Newton 22 (13)
H Fox 3-22 (4.0)

---

Match Report - Poidevin-Gray vs Blacktown Mounties (20 Overs)

Sydney University 8/126 (20.0)
R Wikramanayake 24 (17)
H Ikeda 5-18 (4.0)

DEF BY

Blacktown Mounties 6/129 (17.3)
Y Theodorakopoulos 34* (31)
S Doshi 2-12 (4.0)